Annual elk calf survival in a multiple carnivore system

摘要: The realized effect of multiple carnivores on juvenile ungulate recruitment may depend the carnivore assemblage as well compensation from forage and winter weather severity, which mediate vulnerability to predation in ungulates. We used a time-to-event approach test for effects risk factors annual elk (Cervus canadensis) calf survival estimate cause-specific mortality rates 2 populations adjacent study areas southern Bitterroot Valley, Montana, USA, during 2011–2014. captured radio-tagged 286 calves: 226 neonates, 60 6-month-old calves. Summer probability was less variable than (P = 0.12) averaged 0.55 (95% CI = 0.47–0.63), whereas varied more summer significantly across years (P = 0.003) 0.73 CI = 0.64–0.81). During summer, increased with biomass preferred biomass, slightly lower following winters high precipitation; exposure mountain lion (Puma concolor) unimportant. In contrast, winter, we found that influenced survival, weak negative precipitation. no evidence availability or severity mediated (e.g., an interaction), indicating constant regardless spatial variation weather. Mountain lions dominated known causes estimated 0.14 CI = 0.09–0.20) 0.12 CI = 0.07–0.18), respectively. varies ecological systems depending relative densities. be most important ungulates, especially where grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) wolves (Canis lupus) are rare recovering. Finally, managers need reduce adult female harvest recolonize balance management objectives, productive habitats elk. © 2016 Wildlife Society.